White as Silence, Red as Song

A Novel

By: Alessandro D'Avenia

Narrated by: John Behrens

Hailed as Italy’s The Fault in Our Stars, this Italian bestseller is now available for the first time in English.

“I was born on the first day of school, and I grew up and old in just two hundred days . . .”

Sixteen-year-old Leo has a way with words, but he doesn’t know it yet. He spends his time texting, polishing soccer maneuvers, and killing time with Niko and Silvia. Until a new teacher arrives and challenges him to give voice to his dreams.

And so Leo is inspired to win over the red-haired beauty Beatrice. She doesn’t know Leo exists, but he’s convinced that his dream will come true. When Leo lands in the hospital and learns that Beatrice has been admitted too, his mission to be there for her will send him on a thrilling but heartbreaking journey. He wants to help her but doesn’t know how—and his dream of love will force him to grow up fast.

Having already sold over a million copies, Alessandro D’Avenia’s debut novel is considered Italy’s The Fault in Our Stars. Now available in English for the first time, this rich, funny, and heartwarming coming-of-age tale asks us to explore the meaning—and the cost—of friendship, and shows us what happens when suffering bursts into the world of teenagers and renders the world of adults speechless.

Critic reviews

'This is a beautifully written meditation on the importance of dreams and the power of every kind of love -- first, unrequited, and lifelong. Leo's literally colorful worldview, seeing things in shades of white and red, grounds the narrative, which often twists and turns around larger-than-life myths and philosophy. D'Avenia has crafted a truly unique and authentic teen voice, easily moving from the banality of PlayStation battles to the profundity of true love. Translated from the Italian, this affecting debut is a sweet love story unafraid to tackle big questions.'